THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are several key contests in four southern districts. The three major players – LDF, UDF and NDA - expect a tough battle when it comes to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.
There are three keenly watched constituencies in Thiruvananthapuram. BJP is banking on their senior leader, O. Rajagopal, who is contesting in Nemom, to open its account in the 14th Assembly. His opponents CPM’s V. Sivankutty and JDU’s V. Surendran Pillai will have to sweat it out a lot.
Vattiyoorkavu is another do-or-die seat for the Congress despite sitting MLA K. Muraleedharan nursing his constituency exceptionally well. Congress came only a distant third after LDF and BJP in the Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency during the recent local bodies elections. CPM’s T. N. Seema and BJP’s state president Kummanam Rajasekharan are also formidable opponents for him.
Another star seat is Thiruvananthapuram where Congress sitting MLA V. S. Sivakumar is pitted against LDF’s Antony Raju and cricketer S. Sreesanth fielded by the BJP. Congress camp feels that it is going to be an easy walkover for Mr Sivakumar as he too has nursed his constituency well like Mr Muraleedharan.
In Kollam, actor Mukesh is the CPM candidate and in all likelihood, he is expected to defeat newcomer Sooraj Ravi of Congress. Ever since former MLA Thoppil Ravi’s son’s name came up, local Congress leaders have been unhappy.
If the Congress leaders decide to work together in the district, the poll battle is going to be evenly poised.
Similarly, another ‘star’ battle is being witnessed in Pathanapuram where actors K. B. Ganesh Kumar, who recently defected to the LDF, and Jagadeesh (P.V. Jagadish Kumar) have locked horns. In Pathanamthitta , Konni and Aranmula seats are going to be crucial for Congress legislators Adoor Prakash and K. Sivadasan Nair. If Mr Prakash managed to get his seat at the nth hour, Mr Nair has a newcomer, Veena George, television anchor, as his opponent.
When it comes to Idukki district, Bharat Dharma Jana Sena is fielding three candidates, in Idukki, Udumbanchola and Thodupuzha constituencies. Former KC (M) leader Francis George, who defected to the LDF and floated Kerala Congress Democratic, has been fielded against his former colleague, Roshy Augustine in Idukki.
